It’s a pity that the cheongsam is mainly associated with brides, Chinese restaurant hostesses and schoolteachers from the Sixties. While Maggie Cheung in In the Mood for Love and Tang Wei’s character in Lust, Caution have displayed how elegant and beautiful a woman can look in the traditional Chinese dress, many still think of the cheongsam as dated.
But times are a-changing and the cheongsam’s reputation has been evolving into somewhat of a modern fashion statement. Singapore label Ong Shunmugum’s first claim to fame was to add the contemporary peplum to the cheongsam and fellow local brand Tong Tong’s cheongsam dresses are an easy-to-wear option thanks to the lively, colourful print fabric used that’s a huge departure from the sombre allure of the traditional cheongsam.
So when you are shopping for your new outfits this Chinese New Year, why not consider the cheongsam? Designers from Tong Tong, Lady General and more share their picks of cheongsam that are great for the office, a cocktail party and even hanging out with your girlfriends. We promise, the cheongsam is one piece that can translate into many different looks – a Chinese restaurant waitress not being one of them.
The quirky cheongsam store at Shaw Towers is the fruit of labour of Sheau Yun. In 2006, the designer started Tong Tong Friendship Store to house her fresh takes on the tired stereotype of Chinese clothing. Her cheongsams are inspired by tradition but quirky and in tune with the modern woman’s style.
Tong Tong Friendship Store’s 2014 Chinese New Year collection stems from the era of graceful relaxed cheongsams – before the Chinese dress was Westernised and morphed into the now-familiar figure hugging affair. The collection presents dresses and separates in the same relaxed yet elegant silhouette – a traditional Chinese flat cut style – that works for everyday wear.
Tong Tong Friendship Store is at #01-05 Shaw Towers. Go to tongtong.sg for more information.
Even without a Mandarin collar, Sheau Yun says that the diagonal opening still lends a distinctive Oriental look to the Abundance dress. The designer shares, “Traditional Chinese outfits are not restricted to just cheongsams.”
The cotton African batik with fish print is a playful take on the auspicious “Nian Nian You Yu’ phrase that is perfect for tossing yusheng with your colleagues – the relaxed shape and conservative length offsets the eye catching print. The dress is a headturner on its own so Sheau Yin suggests finishing the look with classic pieces like black pumps and a structured work tote.
Available at Tong Tong Friendship Store, #01-05 Shaw Towers.
This fun orange number of a can-can dress is an update of the traditional cheongsam cut. Sheau Yun points out that the irregular Mandarin collar, which “doesn’t meet in the middle”, isn’t only more comfortable around the neck but is also “younger and livelier”.
Granny will approve of this traditional take at the dinner table during a formal reunion dinner but the Spring in Bloom dress is a party dress too – imagine the can-can skirt swishing around as you dance the night away when you and your cousins manage to steal away for a nightcap! Pick a pair of shoes in the same hue as the colour palette of the dress for a coordinated look but hold back on your accessories with just a simple, neutral clutch.
Available at Tong Tong Friendship Store, #01-05 Shaw Towers.
The misaligned neckline and hem is what makes the Mis/Aligned dress a rebel, even in sweet pink checks. Sheau Yun explains, “The intentionally misaligned design takes inspiration from the relaxed style by which everyday Chinese men and women wear their native garments throughout the ages.”
Moving from house to house is a breeze in the breathable materials and the relaxed fit allows you to indulge in your favourite Chinese New Year goodies. Dresses with pockets like the Mis/Aligned dress are always a winner and are also ideal for stashing red packets in. Just slip on your new flats or even sneakers and you are set for a busy day of visiting!
Available at Tong Tong Friendship Store, #01-05 Shaw Towers.
Elaine Tsai, founder and designer of The Lady General, understands every woman’s need for her clothes to work hard. She says, “Our vision is to cut through the traditional barriers and aged perception of the cheongsam. All our dresses are designed to give the wearer mileage beyond the typical Chinese New Year occasion.”
The Lady General’s wearable silhouettes are created from cotton and silk hand-sourced from Asia and Europe. Only limited quantities of each design are available.
Go to www.theladygeneral.com.
The polka-dotted sheath cheongsam is made modern by “doing away with the typical Chinese knots and side slits” and updated into boardroom worthy by incorporating “vintage buttons and a comfortable centre black skirt slit”. Tsai explains, “The simple silhouette and work-safe colour makes the Ting cheongsam a wearable dress on any work day.” Add a pair of black peep-toed sling-back heels and you got a foolproof work outfit.
Available at www.theladygeneral.com.
The looser column fit of the Ting cheongsam is perfect for hiding any evidence of a tummy after a hearty meal, as Tsai points out. Colour blocking of jewel tones and a keyhole opening at the back exposes a subtle flash of skin for a contemporary look that’s family appropriate. Tsai recommends piling on the bling – think dangling earrings – and you are good to go for reunion dinner.
Available at www.theladygeneral.com.
One of the best sellers at The Lady General, Tsai says the Cai design is popular for its versatile A-line skirt and arm-slimming cap sleeves. We like how the skirt is easy to sit in – you will be comfortable even if you’re relegated to cross-legged on the floor in a crowded relative’s house. The Cai cheongsam is a conversation starter, thanks to its coral front and seafoam back. To complete the playful look, tote your Mandarin oranges and red packets in a whimsical straw clutch.
Available at www.theladygeneral.com.
Malaysian fashion designer Melinda Looi and top model Amber Chia have teamed up for one of the region’s most exciting collaborations this Chinese New Year. The collection is stems from the Chinese concept of yuan – serendipity. Long-time friends Looi and Chia believe that this yuan has brought them together.
Bright, auspicious colours collide with a variety of fabrics and textures for a collection of modern long cheongsams, jacquard vest-and-pants that can be worn as separates and comfy cotton pieces with contrast embroidery.
Shop the collection at www.zalora.sg/catalog/melinda-looi-amber-chia-collection/ and www.zalora.com.my/melinda-looi-amber-chia-collection/.
“This is a modern cheongsam cut without the Mandarin collar but still work-appropriate,” explains Melinda Looi. The contrast jacquard panels are an interesting detail and the different pattern is still traditionally Chinese. The simple round neckline allows you to play around with chunky necklaces as an accent.
Available at www.zalora.sg/catalog/melinda-looi-amber-chia-collection/ and www.zalora.com.my/melinda-looi-amber-chia-collection/.
The black side panels have a slimming illusion – just the thing for a sumptuous reunion dinner. Looi says, “Instead of the typical cheongsam-design side button opening, the opening across the chest is something new to everyone.” This Jacquard Panel dress is something we will also reach for and pair with stacked bangles when attending a formal event like a black tie dinner.
Available at www.zalora.sg/catalog/melinda-looi-amber-chia-collection/ and www.zalora.com.my/melinda-looi-amber-chia-collection/.
Slip on this easy-to-wear dress for a long day of visiting friends and family. The Chinese knot buttons and lace embroidery detail stays true to the oriental look but pockets and an uneven hem give the dress a modern twist. We are partial to adding a pair of on-trend wedge sneakers that will be easy to kick off and slip on.
Available at www.zalora.sg/catalog/melinda-looi-amber-chia-collection/ and www.zalora.com.my/melinda-looi-amber-chia-collection/.
The popular Singapore online retailer has also jumped on the festive bandwagon with its own contemporary Chinese New Year collection. The range includes floral cheongsams with a twist, patterned jacquard pants and an Oriental-themed lace romper.
Shop the collection at www.lovebonito.com and at the Love, Bonito pop-up store at Tangs Vivocity.
“The Alysia dress is shaped in the traditional cheongsam silhouette and its bold floral prints is on-trend right now,” says co-founder of Love, Bonito Viola Tan. We like how the simple raised crew neck collar and the raglan sleeve detail updates the look that works for the office. In order not to steal any attention away from the print, Tan would pair the look with sleek plain pumps.
Available at www.lovebonito.com
While the traditional Mandarin collar is absent, the floral prints of the Jazalyn jacquard dress is distinctively Oriental-inspired. Plus, the forgiving cut is great for feasts and comfortable to sit in for long reunion dinners. The scooped neckline calls for a statement necklace with a touch of spunky attitude.
Available at www.lovebonito.com
The knotted buttons have been retained but the Jarrell jacquard cheongsam is jazzed up by a cancan inner layer that gives the skirt a puffed-up shape. This will get your relatives talking – in a good way! A pair of lace-up booties and a single cuff would be the perfect accessories for this eye-catching dress, reckons Tan.
Available at www.lovebonito.com